Post primary hangover has left the people of Lakewood looking

for a glass of tomato juice with a shot of sensibility. The field

of three mayoral candidates has been narrowed to two. The

easy decision is over and the difficult one now begins.

The dismal voter turnout is proof the general

population either doesn't care about its future or is so burned

out on broken promises and rhetoric that it no longer has the

strength or will to make a decision.

The two remaining mayoral candidates hold very different

views of Lakewood. One believes we are on the right track, the

other believes we have derailed. Both candidates have evident

strengths and weaknesses and, one must hope, the good of the

community always in mind. They diverge, however, in their plan for

the future and the funding of such a plan.

The fundamental concern of those who live in any city boils

down to "clean and safe". Now I have not coined that term,

people far wiser than me have coined it and are circulating it far and wide.

"Clean and safe" is, of course, fundamental to any structured community. We should badger

our politicians so that this remains a reality. The truth is that

"clean and safe" costs money.

After having lived many years in a community that faced

similar challenges to those of Lakewood, I know that "clean

and safe" must now become our mantra. Not tomorrow and

especially not after a series of dust covered studies lie on a

shelf while bureaucrats bicker over their implementation.

"Clean and safe" in 6 to 12 months is unacceptable. By

Police Chief Malley's own admission, getting new officers on

the street will take months once hired. The hiring should

happen now.

Lakewood is a safe community feeling the pressure of

deteriorating economic conditions and shifting demographics.

As a community we must not tolerate the decline in acceptable

public behavior. Through community involvement, better

management and increased resources, the police department

can better do its job.

Both candidates are currently in a position to initiate or

demand the execution of such a plan. They are in a position

to ask the people if they are willing to fund the initiative to

raise the capital and operating income to expand on the "clean

and safe" charge. They are in a position to assert the people's

desire to live in a community where there is zero tolerance for

violence.

Why wait to implement a plan? Act now on the words so

eloquently stated prior to your success in the primary election.

Ask the people if "clean and safe" is worth a half a penny on

the dollar or if another study will suffice in place of immediate

action.

Just maybe by taking this initiative prior to the election, voters

will see that a candidate's promises can be more than just the

bait to attract their vote.